Blessed

Psalm 1

There is a contrast between the rootedness of the righteous and the temporary nature of the unrighteous. There is also a nice word picture of temptation: starts with journeying with someone, leads to hanging out in bad places and finally ends up by being at home or taking a place among the wicked. There is another word picture of the blessed one: he is like a tree planted by streams of water that produces fruit in the proper season.
The word delight stands out to me. The psalmist is not talking about a religious reading of the law of the Lord. No, the blessed one takes delight or finds pleasure in the laws of God.
This psalm speaks to me on so many levels. In terms of tempation, am I walking in step with the wicked? Do I hang out in places where I know I will find trouble? Do I feel at home in the company of the wicked? This isn't talking about having friends who are lost but about allowing the lost to influence my behaviour. Secondly, do I take delight in the Word of God? There are times when studying the Word has actually been a rush! However, too many times it is a chore. This is because I don't really understand the value of what I have. The King of the universe is communicating with me! If I am at all alive spiritually, that should bring me great delight!
Finally, there are times when life just seems to be a slog. The promise of this psalm is that the one who avoids the ways of evil, delights in the Word of God and meditates on it will prosper. In the immediate context it is probably talking about success in life: riches, honour, position of respect, etc. In the light of the New Testament, I cannot claim this promise for myself. However, there will be a contentment and a peace when the Word of God is the source of my pleasure and the focus of my meditation.